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New book on the post WW1 British Community in Ypres


iain mchenry

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We are very lucky in the Ypres Branch of the RBL to have an ex gardener of the CWGC, born near Pops in the interwar years to an ex RAMC veteran who was also one of the first CWGC gardeners. Both George and his father Walter Sutherland worked for over 70 years in Lissenthoek cemetery. George mentioned to me recently about an interview he did for the author of a new book on the post WW1 British Community that spung up in Ypres in the 20's and 30's.

The Book "The Children Who Fought Hitler" focusses on St Georges Memorial School and the start of the British Colony from 1919, what it was like growing up in Ypres, the early days of the IWGC, the May 1940 evacuation and life under Nazi occupation. The book also covers the lives of some of Ypres British folk who got back to the UK and joined up to fight Hitler. The book is to retail at£20 for the hardback cover and £8.99 softback (softback available from 2010)

The authors of the book are Sue Elliott and James Fox and the ISBN number of the book is:

978 - 1- 84854 - 086 - 6

They also hope to have a one hour BBC4 documentary, the same title of the book on about November time.

Although the book doesnt cover too much WW1 the post war British community that sprung up here is very interesting to learn about and an interesting follow on from the War. I am sure this book will be of interest to some of you.

Best regards

Iain

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Iain

thanks for the heads up

Is it true one of the children went on to become an SOE operative?

Chris

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This might come out wrong as I haven't replied to a post before...

Glad to see that George Sutherland in Poperinghe is already spreading the word about 'The Children Who Fought Hitler'. Please pass on my best regards to him. George, his father Walter, and his son Alex - all IWCG/CWCG gardeners - are in the book. Researching the story of the British in Ypres in the interwar period I found fascinating and I hope others will too. In answer to the question 'was one of the children later an SOE operative?' the answer is YES. She was (still is - now 87 and living in France) Elaine Madden and she was one of only 2 women agents used by T Section. She has an amazing story and a chapter to herself in the book...

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Hi Sue,

Welcome to the forum. I am presuming you are Sue Elliott, the author. I must say I am really looking forward to your book. I find the post war British community in Ypres a very interesting subject to look at. I wish you success with the book.

Best regards

Iain

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Alison

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We are very lucky in the Ypres Branch of the RBL to have an ex gardener of the CWGC, born near Pops in the interwar years to an ex RAMC veteran who was also one of the first CWGC gardeners. Both George and his father Walter Sutherland worked for over 70 years in Lissenthoek cemetery. George mentioned to me recently about an interview he did for the author of a new book on the post WW1 British Community that spung up in Ypres in the 20's and 30's.

The Book "The Children Who Fought Hitler" focusses on St Georges Memorial School and the start of the British Colony from 1919, what it was like growing up in Ypres, the early days of the IWGC, the May 1940 evacuation and life under Nazi occupation. The book also covers the lives of some of Ypres British folk who got back to the UK and joined up to fight Hitler. The book is to retail at£20 for the hardback cover and £8.99 softback (softback available from 2010)

The authors of the book are Sue Elliott and James Fox and the ISBN number of the book is:

978 - 1- 84854 - 086 - 6

They also hope to have a one hour BBC4 documentary, the same title of the book on about November time.

Although the book doesnt cover too much WW1 the post war British community that sprung up here is very interesting to learn about and an interesting follow on from the War. I am sure this book will be of interest to some of you.

Best regards

Iain

Sorry about that, I lost the plot (Note) Jim and I were in Ypers visiting St Georges Church to see the WFA Memorial. We look forward to seeing this book as the visit has set us on another mission to 'find out more' Jim and I were with WFA Southend last Sept aand you escorted us and regaled us with lots of stuff. (I am the Scottish one) Jim is the one last back to the coach. Regards, Alison

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